Lesson 1 for the 3 rd of October, 2009

The book of Exodus tells the story of the people of Israel, from its slavery in Egypt to its birth as a theocratic Nation.

The book of Leviticus registers the laws relating to the Sanctuary and the events during the next month, while they were camping in front of Mount Sinai.

---Reuben--- Reuben Simeon Gad Judah--- Judah Issachar Zebulun Ephraim--- Ephraim Manasseh Benjamin Dan--- Dan Asher Naphtali God showed Moses and Aaron the names of the representative from each tribe. They helped them to take the census of the people. It was divided in patriarchal tribes, clans, families and person. Only males over 20 years who could fight were counted. The tribe of Levi was excluded. It was a military census in order to prepare Israel for war. God showed Moses and Aaron the names of the representative from each tribe. They helped them to take the census of the people. It was divided in patriarchal tribes, clans, families and person. Only males over 20 years who could fight were counted. The tribe of Levi was excluded. It was a military census in order to prepare Israel for war.

“It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you” (Deuteronomy, 9: 5 fp) Because of the wickedness of Canaan (Genesis, 15: 14-16) “To accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (Deuteronomy, 9: 5 lp) To accomplish divine promises “He did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience” (Judges, 3: 2) To teach war to future generations “They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses” (Judges, 3: 4) Destroying gradually their enemies would prove that they were still trusting God

“God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in perfect order; subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. Success can only attend order and harmonious action. God requires order and system in His work now no less than in the days of Israel. All who are working for Him are to labor intelligently, not in a careless, haphazard manner. He would have his work done with faith and exactness, that He may place the seal of His approval upon it.” EGW (Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 33, page 376)

The camp was holy because the presence of God made it holy.

When God kept the life of Israel’s firstborns when the last plague, He took them to serve Him (Exodus, 13: 2) Then God chose the tribe of Levi to serve Him instead of the firstborns, because they devoted their selves to God when they stood aside while the golden calf rebellion (Exodus, 32: 29) Israelites could reach God through Levites as they were in charge of the tabernacle, they took part in worship, they taught, they judged and they instructed the people.

We have a solemn duty as a chosen people (present Levites). We can be aware of it or we can act irresponsibly, as Nadab and Abihu did. We must respect everything related with God and His service, and it is our duty to transmit the knowledge of our holy God to others. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter, 2: 9)